NAEMT is honored to announce that five EMS practitioners are among the 20 emergency responders selected to receive a $20,000 donation from OnStar.
 
NAEMT promoted the OnStar donation campaign to thousands of EMS practitioners through emails and on social media in August and September. The OnStar donation campaign recognizes public safety personnel who experienced serious physical injury or hardship that impacted their ability to perform their jobs.

NAEMT is very proud to work with OnStar to recognize these deserving responders. The five EMS practitioners who received the $20,000 OnStar donation are:



Jennifer Aycox – Pearl, Mississippi
While administering aid to an injured patient, Aycox was struck by an intoxicated driver and sustained severe injuries to her left leg, eye and pelvis. She has been called a positive example to others as she does not give up and works hard to overcome any obstacle.
 

Derek Boehm – Gilbert, Arizona
Boehm is a flight paramedic who was the sole survivor of a helicopter crash in the Superstition Mountains that occurred while returning from transporting a patient. After sustaining severe injuries, Boehm has committed to returning to his flight line and continues to help his organization during his recovery process.

Pleasant DeShong – Cocoa, Florida
DeShong was a firefighter-paramedic with Brevard County Fire Rescue in Florida. Thanks to DeShong's quick action, he prevented harm to others but suffered significant injuries to his hip, pelvis and right leg after a broken utility pole fell into a group of people. His sacrifice is greatly appreciated by his community.
 
Eric John – Macon, Georgia
With a career dedicated to public service, John has served in the Macon Police Department, Department of Corrections, Macon Bibb Fire Department and now emergency medical services for Macon, Ga. In these roles he has assisted with a very wide range of medical emergencies, including search and rescue after floods and delivering six babies. While responding to a collision on Interstate 75, John was struck by a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, throwing him across five lanes of traffic. Following his accident, John forgave and became friends with the young driver. John continues to be dedicated to his community through his work mentoring young adults at his church and local community.
 
Marnee Smith – Valley View, Texas
While on the way to a call, Smith was involved in a serious vehicle accident that resulted in amputation of her right leg. Smith's positive outlook and determination allowed her to take up her duties again as well as become the lead instructor of the EMT program at North Central Texas College-Corinth Campus.

View the OnStar press release and other donation recipients  >>

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